Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dan Glazer will open a new chapter in his career as he and his teammates take to the pitch for the first time at the rebuilt Bloomfield Stadium when they host Bnei Yehuda on Sunday at 20:15.
“I didn’t play much at the old Bloomfield Stadium but I don’t need to remind how the venue has energised us in the past,” Glazer said in the pre-match news conference on Thursday. “We have had a tour of the stadium and all the players left with a feeling of great excitement. We are thrilled to imagine what it will be like when there will be 29,000 fans cheering for us. We really need to win our first game at the stadium.”
Bnei Yehuda will pose a formidable challenge, Glazer said. “This will be a tough test against stubborn opposition. The coaching staff will ensure we are prepared in the best possible way and I hope that we will be the dominant team. Bnei Yehuda are always strong opponents and they must never be under estimated. They played well in Europe, apart from their last game, and we expect a very tough test against a side that knows how to defend and mount counter attacks.”
Maccabi’s European disappointment had an effect, but the team has put that behind them, Glazer said. “It is undeniable that we failed in Europe and we felt bad for a few days, but the good thing about soccer is that there is always another match to look forward to and we can switch our focus. Since the loss (to Suduva) we have won twice and we opened the league season well. We need to look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and ensure we retain our title.”
Maccabi’s players are all geared up for the season, he said. “Our dressing room is amazing, we have been together for over a year. There are good people and great friends in there, both on the pitch and off it. We help and support each other when things get tough and long may it continue.”
